First boat is my first project boat

[SS66]

Hello all, I just got my first boat from my Father. Its a 15 foot Sea Raider with a 80 HP Merc. I have to replace the floor. So far I got almost all of the floor ripped up. I was planning on building a small door in the floor right above the stringer for two reasons. A-To get my oars out of the way and B-to check on water if there is any in there and to leave the door open for it to air out. Now I imagine this isnt a golden idea since I havent heard anyone mention it, but is it a BAD idea? Thanks guys Ive been reading here for awhile.. great forum

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: First boat is my first project boat

Is there foam in there now? If so it must be left in. Otherwise as long as you don’t cut a stringer you should be able to do it. My only concern would be flexing from starboard/port but seeing that you are doing the floor over, you could beef that section up to make up for that section of floor missing. If you just want to air it out create a few access holes and call it a day!!!

 

[SS66]

Re: First boat is my first project boat

There was waterlogged blocks of what looked to be styrofoam. Im going to fill it in with foam.. then possibly cut out a little area in the foam for the oars. Also.. The square .. hole I guess you would call it in the back of my boat on the floor where the plug goes is called the bildge right? On my cousins boat I noticed he had a hole in his ( coming from the front of the boat ) so water that got under the floor could get into that area and be drained out.. mine has NO holes for water to escape. Should I put one in?<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[Link]

Re: First boat is my first project boat

Hi SS66<br />A couple things. When you get the floor out and start pouring your foam in, keep in mind the water flow from the bow to stern so if you should get some water in the boat it needs someplace to go. You will want the water to be able also pass through the stringers to get into the bilge area.<br /><br />As long as you can get enough foam in the boat to keep it floating if swamped there is nothing wrong with your idea of installing a large deck plate or ski locker cover in the floor. Many boat are made like that.<br />There are many people here who have done this and I'm sure you will get a lot of help.<br /><br />Luck to ya